Meet Elman Mirzaei.

Our 2025 Ottawa Brain Tumour Walk ambassador.

How have brain tumours impacted you?

Brain tumours have profoundly shaped my life, beginning with my first diagnosis in May 2020, right at the onset of the pandemic. I was just 26—navigating a global crisis while facing my own. It started with a seizure that led to the discovery of a grade 2 astrocytoma in my left temporal lobe. Within days, I underwent brain surgery to remove it successfully.

Between my first diagnosis and its recurrence in 2023, I lived life to the fullest. I landed my dream job at Shopify, traveled the world, and pushed myself to new heights. Skiing became my sanctuary during the pandemic—each run down the mountain a reminder that I was still here, fighting, and living on my terms.

Fast forward to May 2023, exactly three years after first brain surgery, I was laid off from my dream job. Only months later, I found out the tumour had returned—this time much faster than anyone anticipated. Unlike my first surgery, I had weeks to agonize over the procedure. I was forced to cancel a wedding anniversary trip to Greece, and instead faced another brain surgery, followed by concurrent chemo and radiation, then 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

But I chose to channel that uncertainty into something meaningful. During recovery, I launched TheSlopeAdvisor.com—a platform to share my passion for skiing in Eastern Canada with the world. It became an outlet for joy, purpose, and community when I needed it most.

Now, six months after completing chemo, I’m focused on building my marketing consulting business, working with clients across various industries, and committing to the entrepreneurial path. I don’t know when the next recurrence might come, but this journey has taught me life is too short to hold back on what truly matters. For me, that means doing what I love as much as possible while spending time with the people I love the most—my wife, my parents, my sister, and all my friends who have supported me through this wild journey.

How did you become involved with Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada?

My wife discovered Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada while researching support communities, and we felt it was the perfect place to connect with others who understand this journey.

How and when have you participated in past Brain Tumour Walks? How will you be participating this year?

We participated in the 2024 Brain Tumour Walk alongside 15 of our friends, walking and running a 5K along the scenic Rideau Canal. This year, we’re excited to join again and continue supporting this important cause! And I’m really excited to be on the organizing committee.

Why did you decide to join the Brain Tumour Walk organizing committee?

I wanted to join the Brain Tumour Walk organizing committee to show others that a brain tumour diagnosis isn’t always doom and gloom—it’s not like how it’s portrayed in movies. There’s resilience, hope, and community in this journey. For me, being with people who truly understand what it’s like is incredibly powerful. The people in this community just “get it.”

Why would you encourage others to participate in the Brain Tumour Walk?

Walking alongside survivors, families, and supporters creates a sense of community that reminds us we’re not alone in this journey. It’s a chance to raise awareness, support vital research, and inspire those impacted by brain tumours to keep moving forward. Whether you’re walking for someone you love or for yourself, every step makes a difference.